Source: flickr.com user n kw's

That is the question floating around glow.com’s office ever since the sun started showering its rays upon us (and not to mention our VP’s awesome tan!). So the debate continues: Even with a movie like Twilight buzzing up the media scene, what should one do when golden sun kissed skin is still in and are the risks worth it?

SUN TANNING – Moderate to High depending upon sunscreen usage.
RISKS:
Sun Burn
Melonoma
Sun Damage/ Premature Aging of the Skin

TIPS
Avoid using strong ingredients like Glycolic acid before hitting the beach. Using strong topicals or exfoliates might make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays, hence putting you at risk for a burn or worse, melanoma.

Use a sunscreen and remember to reapply. It’s recommended to use at least a 15 SPF for light sun exposure (i.e. driving to and from work) and those who are beach bound should use at least a 30 SPF. Reapply every couple of hours.

Wear a hat to avoid sun exposure to the face. This one comes straight from our Beauty Editor Lauren! This is a great addition to your sunscreen.

TANNING BEDS – High Risk

I don’t know about you but in our office tanning beds are taboo. You’ll hear the occasional whisper about going to the tanning beds, usually around a big event.

RISKS:
Too many to count here! Tanning beds give you an intense blast of sun exposure within minutes but that means over-exposure and greater risks. Germany just put a ban on children and teenagers (under 18) using the beds to prevent an increase of skin cancer.

TIPS:
Best to avoid use of tanning beds, even the ones that say they use bulbs that filter out the UV exposure.

SELF TANNER – Low risk

RISKS: Some tanners might turn you orange and let’s not forget streaks but those risks are more cosmetic than serious, unless you are Lindsay Lohan.

TIPS:

When you use a self-tanner, apply gradually. You don’t have to look like a golden goddess overnight.

Use an exfoliator before you apply your self-tanner. This creates a smooth application so unevenness will be minimal.

Apply moisturizer/body lotion after you self-tanner. This will keep help you to prevent streaks.

Don’t forget to wash your hands after you apply. Like they say, you can tell a lot from your hands. Don’t let them leak the truth.

Tags: Exfoliator, health, Self Tanner, Skincare, Sunless Tanning, sunscreen

This entry was posted on Friday, July 10th, 2009 at 9:01 am and is filed under Bath & Body, Skincare. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.